Lungen backs Farrell for Sullivan DA

MONTICELLO — For the first time in 28 years, Steve Lungen stepped behind a podium and endorsed another man for Sullivan County district attorney.

By Adam Bosch

MONTICELLO — For the first time in 28 years, Steve Lungen stepped behind a podium and endorsed another man for Sullivan County district attorney.

Standing on the steps of the County Courthouse — his home away from home — Lungen told a crowd of 50 police, politicians and residents that he’s retiring as the county’s top prosecutor and will throw his support behind Chief Assistant District Attorney Jim Farrell.

“I endorse, support and will campaign for Jim Farrell,” Lungen said. “This choice, for me, matters. I view this as a true public safety choice for this county.”

The announcement marked a turning point for one of Sullivan County’s highest offices, and the beginning of what’s likely to be the most heated campaign for district attorney since Lungen ran against the current County Court Judge Frank LaBuda in 1989.

Lungen, 63, has been a strong public figure during his nearly three decades as district attorney, and he still personally handles some of the most intricate cases that land in his office. In announcing his departure Lungen didn’t completely shut the door on public life, saying he craves work and might go into private practice or seek a judgeship if the right opportunity presents itself.

“Are they going to have to get a tow truck to pull me out the back door Dec. 31?” Lungen said of his last day as district attorney. “Probably.”Lungen’s retirement gives way to a three-man race for his seat. With nearly 14 years as an assistant district attorney, Farrell has more experience as a prosecutor than any candidate.

“I believe that my experience uniquely qualifies me,” Farrell said. “I’ve been on the front lines of the war on crime in this county.”

Before he can turn his attention to the general election, Farrell will have to win a Republican primary challenge by Liberty lawyer Mike McGuire, a former assistant district attorney. Republican Party Chairman John LiGreci said he would try to convince one of the candidates to step aside, thereby saving money and effort for the general election, but neither man is expected to forgo the primary.

“I’m competitive,” McGuire said. “It’s no secret that when I left the DA’s office (in 2004) that my eyes were on that prize.”

The eventual Republican candidate will face Bloomingburg lawyer Glenn Kroll in November’s election. Kroll recently stepped down as village justice in Bloomingburg so that he could run for district attorney. And his campaign signs won’t be hard to find—Kroll owns two fire trucks and intends to stencil campaign slogans on the sides of them, he said.

While Kroll is relatively new to the fray, Farrell and McGuire have been positioning themselves for a run since 2006 by showing up at various community events to meet and greet other important players in Sullivan County.